the threat from japan increased . however , as a result of the emphasis on co @ - @ operation with britain , relatively few australian military units had been retained in australia and the asia @ - @ pacific region . measures were taken to improve australia ' s defences as war with japan loomed in 1941 , but these proved inadequate . in december 1941 , the australian army in the pacific comprised the 8th division , most of which was stationed in malaya , and eight partially trained and equipped divisions in australia . the raaf was equipped with 37 ##3 aircraft , most of which were obsolete trainers , and the ran had three cruisers and two destroyers in australian waters . the australian
the threat from japan increased. however, as a result of the emphasis on co @ - @ operation with britain, relatively few australian military units had been retained in australia and the asia @ - @ pacific region. measures were taken to improve australia's defences as war with japan loomed in 1941, but these proved inadequate. in december 1941, the australian army in the pacific comprised the 8th division, most of which was stationed in malaya, and eight partially trained and equipped divisions in australia. the raaf was equipped with 373 aircraft, most of which were obsolete trainers, and the ran had three cruisers and two destroyers in australian waters. the australian